Christians in Niger

God is doing amazing things in Niger. We have encountered wonderful Christian people in this predominately (97%) Muslim country. Our first stay overnight was with Chako Cherif, director of EERN's development program. He and his wife are wonderfully warm and welcoming people who graciously opened their home to us. By Niamey's standards, their home is very nice (he was a commissioner in the Government until the ruling party changed recently). I will always remember how he and his wife prayed for us just before we retired for the evening.

Then there was our visit with Rev. Wakaso. He told us the remarkable story of his conversion at age 16 to Christianity and how his whole family disowned him because of his new life in Christ. His father kicked him out. But several months later, his father came to his pastor and said, "I see such a wonderful change in my boy's life. Ever since he decided to follow Jesus, he is much nicer and he is determined to be kind to me. He is so respectful. Please tell him he can come back to his family." Now, more than 25 years later, that once young boy who risked condemnation by his family is a pastor of a church in Niamey!

We worshiped at a wonderful spirit filled church today. The service was 2 and a half hours long (in 100 degree heat; no air conditioning!)but the time flew because the service was so wonderful. (Some others might have a different spin on that; after all, I am a pastor.) The singing was so animated and joyful. We enjoyed the regular choir (with guitars and drums), a men's singing group, and a women's singing group. There were also a couple of young men who sang about kicking the devil around (if you have Jesus) like a soccer ball. Everyone laughed. There were also a junior choir and youth choir - both as cute as can be.

One of the moving moments of the worship service was when the pastor announced that a young man had just gotten engaged to be married. The Pastor announced that he was going to have a second offering just for the groom and his bride to be. At first we thought that this was a most generous custom among Christians in Niger. But later we found out that this was indeed a special offering, because in Niger, the groom is the one who pays a dowry. He pays for the bridal dress, the reception, and the start up expenses for a new household. This man who was going to be married could not afford such expenses. So the whole church came forward, singing praises to God as they dropped an offering in the basket up front. Because of their generosity, the wedding can happen. It was a moving tribute to the way Christians support one another in wonderful loving ways. As we like to sing, "They'll know we are Christians by our love."

During the announcements time in the service, we were introduced as guests. Then we were coaxed into singing "I've got peace like a river." Another guest was introduced. He was from the neighboring country of Chad. When he greeted the congregation, he said, "I didn't realize there were Christians in Niger."

Indeed there are. And my, how inviting, gracious, and loving they are!

Thanks for your continued prayers,
Pastor Dave Corlett